RUN FOR AUTISM

The Marine Corps Marathon is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money.  Instead, the event celebrates every finisher’s honor, courage and commitment to training for, and completing, the MCM.  More than 2,000 Marines and Sailors support the organization of the event earning the MCM recognition as a world-class running event. 

The RUN FOR AUTISM program began at the Marine Corps Marathon & 8K in 2003. This year OAR was back at the 43^rd annual Marine Corps Marathon & now 10K as a charity partner for the 15^th year in a row.  The 2018 team consisted of 142 marathoners and 39 10K runners who raised a total of $83,692.  From the race expo, to the Runners’ Recognition Dinner and then on to race day with a special 15^th anniversary OAR medal, it was a weekend to remember!

On Saturday, October 27^th over 100 people including runners and their families attended the RUN FOR AUTISM Marine Corps Marathon Runner’s Recognition Dinner at the Hilton Arlington in Arlington, Virginia.  All guests enjoyed a delicious pre-race dinner along with the entire OAR staff.  Top fundraiser and RUN FOR AUTISM alum, Heather Horner, along with two other alums, Lisa Sammons and Alicia Robinson spoke at the dinner to give the team inspiring words of encouragement for race day.

The next morning OAR runners gathered at the Charity Village tent to prep for the marathon and 10K.  After a team picture 10K runners were escorted to the start line by Executive Director, Mike Maloney and the marathoners were escorted to the start line by RUN, Coordinator, Sarah Rodis.  Both Mike and Sarah participated in each race to support the team out on the course. 

Chilly temperatures and overcast skies at the start didn’t discourage the RUN FOR AUTISM team from wearing their teal OAR race singlets out on the course.  Marathon runners were easily spotted speeding past the OAR cheer squad around mile 2 and 4.5 on the Key Bridge. 

After the Key Bridge runners began the hilliest part of the course looping through Rock Creek Park and then back into the heart of city to the iconic wear blue Mile starting at mile 12.  The wear blue Mile is lined with posters of fallen military members. Every step honors the service and sacrifice of the American military.

The streets now lined with screaming spectators, runners made their way through miles 16 – 20 along the National Mall with incredible views of the Washington Monument and Capital building.  Then it was onto the toughest section of the race, the 14^th Street Bridge otherwise known as, “beat the bridge”.  RUN, Coordinator, Sarah Rodis ran back and forth along the bridge linking up with RUN FOR AUTISM runners to give them an extra push.

Once off the bridge runners proceeded through the craziest stretch of the race in Crystal City.  Rowdy spectators offering cups of beer left runners feeling excited to get through the last 2 miles past the Pentagon and up the hill to finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial.  The finish line is flooded with grateful Marines offering high-fives, hugs, and the hard earned MCM race medal!

After the race team members were in high spirits receiving their 15^th anniversary OAR medal while hanging out with family and friends at the RUN FOR AUTISM Charity Village tent.  Our top male and female marathon finishers were a father daughter duo!  Congratulations to Mark Wolfheimer and his daughter Rachel Wolfheimer.  Mark ran a 3:37:33 marathon and Rachel came in just behind him at 3:43:04.  OAR Board member Greg Smith was our first male in the 10K with a time of 44:23 and Linda Miller was our first female coming in at 47:35.  Congratulations to the entire team, especially to those who ran PR’s!

The OAR staff is looking forward to another successful race weekend next year!  Interested in participating in the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon or 10K?  Email the RUN Staff to be put on the interest list.